Even on a team with plenty of up-and-coming talent, A.J. Griffin would seem to have locked up a 2013 rotation slot.

With just four games left in the NL and 2013 auditions underway, the AL West-bound Astros make their first appearance in the AL PTT space. Jason Castro, Matt Dominguez, PHI's murky 3B situation, and more...

Neil Walker (2B, PIT) will not play again in 2012 following diagnosis of a herniated disc in his back; Dexter Fowler's (OF, COL) return from injury is questionable despite a clean MRI; Coco Crisp (OF, OAK) returned to action after missing a week with conjunctivitis, and more ...

With a week to go in the season, several starters left Thursday's games and some may not return in 2012. And several other previously injured players are at risk of being shut down, also ...

NL SB leader Michael Bourn (OF, ATL) was missing from the ATL starting lineup for a third straight game Wednesday. While Bourn's recent MRI revealed no structural damage, ATL is likely to be cautious in returning him to the lineup since it has already clinched a post-season berth.

Freese hurts ankle, Willingham his shoulder, forcing both to miss time. Also, Skaggs shut down, Darvish scratched from start, and more...

Capps returns from DL, Martinez suffers surprise injury, Santiago may see another spot start, and more...

Some NL pitchers are getting extra rest as teams have begun to set up their playoff rotations. Among non-contenders, some players are under consideration to be shut down, while spot-start opportunities are opening up for others...

The Angels address their imploding endgame situation; Ellsbury sits while Thome enjoys late-inning heroics. J.D. and Fernando Martinez look ahead to 2013; LA gets some good news while MIA's woes keep on coming, and more...

Chris Carpenter (RHP, STL) registered a PQS-3 in his 2012 debut Friday, allowing five hits and two ER with 2K/1 BB in five innings. He had been plagued since spring training by nerve issues in his neck and shoulder which eventually required mid-season thoracic outlet syndrome surgery.

Frank Francisco and Carlos Quentin are bit again by the injury bug, while Travis Hafner, Corey Hart and Neil Walker have all returned, but at less than 100% for the season's final two weeks.